The Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) expresses its deep concern and sincere solidarity with the Muslim community of Ukraine in connection with the arson attack on a mosque in Lviv. This brazen assault on a Muslim religious building is not only a criminal offense but also a direct attack on religious peace in the country.

An analysis of the circumstances of this crime provides grounds to assert that the arson bears all the hallmarks of a premeditated provocation. Its true aim was not merely to damage property, but to destabilize public security and deliberately offend the religious feelings of believers in order to incite hostility.

In this regard, UCCRO strongly condemns all forms of violence, desecration, or encroachment upon sacred sites and places of worship. Regardless of the confessional context, such barbaric acts are immoral and unacceptable.

UCCRO emphasizes that, in the context of the full-scale aggression against Ukraine, such incidents are not merely local conflicts. They are instruments of hybrid warfare aimed at sowing discord and weakening our internal unity.

UCCRO stresses that any manifestations of interreligious tension objectively play into the hands of the enemy. Religious leaders of Ukraine remain united in their commitment to preserving harmony and mutual respect in society.

UCCRO calls on believers of all denominations to maintain prudence and dignity, and to refrain from yielding to provocations in such situations. Our strength lies in unity, and our response to evil is wisdom and mutual support.

UCCRO reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the principles of interreligious dialogue and religious freedom. We expect law enforcement authorities to conduct a prompt investigation into all the circumstances of this act of vandalism and to bring those responsible to justice.

No attempts to divide Ukrainian society through fear and discord will succeed. We stand united in our faith in the triumph of truth and peace in Ukraine.

Kyiv, April 30, 2026